This presentation will focus on empirical data and a theoretical framework from which to understand Neurofeedback interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Our research evaluated the efficacy of assessment (QEEG) -guided neurofeedback for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Findings included a 92% success rate with a 41.57% reduction in Autistic symptoms, which was significantly different than a wait-list control group. Neurophysiological changes included increased metabolic flow to frontal cortices and movement towards normalized QEEG connectivity. A theoretical approach for treatment of ASD focusing on aspects of EEG connectivity will be presented.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a spectrum of heterogeneous disorders including Autism, Aspergerís Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rettís Disorder. Theheterogeneity of ASD makes it more complex to treat effectively. The prevalence ofASD is as high as 60 per 10,000 or 1 in 166 children (Medical Research Council, 2001). Current research suggests ASD may be associated with functional disconnectivity between brain regions (Courchesne & Pierce, 2005; Belmonte et al., 2004; Baron-Cohen,2004). Therefore, connectivity between the frontal cortex and other brain regions may be unsynchronized, weakly responsive, and information impoverished (Courchesne& Pierce, 2005). Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analysis can precisely pinpoint patterns of disconnectivity among brain regions in children with ASD. ASD can best be conceivedof as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Therefore, interventions which can activate affected neural pathways can normalize function and result in improved treatment outcomes. This presentation will focus on empirical data and a theoretical framework from which to understand neurofeedback interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Our research evaluated the efficacy of assessment (QEEG) -guided neurofeedback for children with ASD. Findings included a 92% success rate with a 41.57% reduction in Autistic symptoms, which was significantly different than a wait-list control group. This was accomplished after only 20 Neurofeedback sessions done twice per week.Neurophysiological changes included increased metabolic flow to frontal cortices and movement towards normalized QEEG connectivity. A theoretical approach for the treatment of ASD focusing on aspects of EEG connectivity will be presented. There is reason to believe that the greatest EEG anomaly in Autistic persons in a combination of hyper- and hypoconnectivity interfering with adequate brain functioning.